Israel has agreed to a ceasefire deal with Hamas which would include the release of 40 women, elderly and sick hostages. Uncertain whether it’s truth or a tactic, Hamas reportedly told negotiators it is unable to identify 40 living captives in that category who were kidnapped from Israel more than 6 months ago.
Israel, in exchange, would have released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and both Israel and Gaza would have had a six to eight week cease-fire. However, Hamas told Egypt and Qatar, international mediators in the negotiations, that it does not have 40 hostages who would be in the category to release, according to multiple reports.
Just the News reports:
Of the more than 240 people who were abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded Israel and killed about 1,200 people, about 130 people, including dual nationals, remain captive, according to Israel. However, Hamas has not provided a list of hostages who may be alive, and Israel says more than 30 of the hostages are presumed dead.
Eight Americans were also kidnapped, but at least two of them have been confirmed dead…
…At least 19 women are being held hostage as well, and there are concerns that many of them are pregnant, given the reports of sexual abuse both in Gaza and during the Oct. 7, 2021, attack.
CIA Director Bill Burns laid out the proposal over the weekend in Cairo, and it was expected to be the first ceasefire phase, with later pauses that would result in the release of military-age men, including Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
